India are finalising their preparations ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15. Before the series, Shubman Gill-led India will play a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI, starting on August 7.
The warm-up fixture will provide India with an opportunity to adapt to local conditions and finalise their combination ahead of the Test series. The match, to be played in Colombo, is also expected to help the team management prepare its strategy before the opening Test.
Warm-up matches have traditionally played an important role during overseas tours. Despite subcontinental conditions, Sri Lanka's pitches and weather could present different challenges for the Indian players. India will use the match to finalise its batting order, bowling combination and fielding plans. It will also provide younger players with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before the international Test series.
The three-day warm-up match between India and Sri Lanka XI will begin on August 7. The match will be played at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground in Colombo. Play is scheduled to start at 10:00 am IST. The three-day fixture will allow both teams to prepare for the longer format.
The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV app and its digital platform, allowing viewers to watch the match on mobile devices, tablets and smart TVs.
India could be without some key players for the warm-up match. According to reports, young batter Sai Sudharsan has not yet reached Sri Lanka due to fitness reasons, and a final decision on his availability will be taken before the match. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has already been ruled out of the entire Test series. As a result, other bowlers will have additional responsibility in India's pace attack.
Sri Lanka XI will also use the match as an important preparation fixture. The squad includes several players who have performed well for Sri Lanka A and in domestic competitions in recent months. In particular, the seven players who recently featured against India A could present a familiar challenge for the Indian batters and bowlers. With a combination of experienced and young players, Sri Lanka XI will aim to provide b competition.
India: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Aukib Nabi.
Sri Lanka XI: Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pawan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (captain), Anjala Bandara (wicketkeeper), Nipun Dhananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha, Dilum Sudheera.
